The Mossman branch needs about 60 members to cover the area. It currently has 12 members. The SES meets every Wednesday from 7pm.

Mossman SES Local Controller Stephen Burg said the education and training benefits that come with joining the SES are reasons to get involved.

“The valuable skills and experience you gain are second to none. One day you are looking for a missing tourist in remote Daintree Rainforest, the next you could be helping your neighbour with a fallen tree. 

“What you get out of it is long-lasting friendships, improvements to your employment, or a rock solid pathway to a new job by helping out the community,” he said

Flood boat rescue, land search techniques, first aid training, map reading and navigation, working at heights and storm damage response are some key skills you will be taught. The Mossman SES looks after the area from south of Wangetti to the Daintree River and Low Isles to Julatten in the west.

“We need more members to protect the community. This is a real opportunity to put your hand up, do some exciting work and be truly recognised in our region,” said Burg.

Council also supports the service by providing facilities, repairs and other in-kind support. Douglas Shire Council Mayor Julia Leu said getting more local members was crucial for the Shire during major storm events.

“We were effectively cut off during the huge rainfall event earlier this year and would have benefitted greatly from having more SES volunteers on the ground,” she said.

“Council continues to work closely with our local SES and considers a strong relationship paramount to keeping the community safe.

“I encourage residents to make the most of this opportunity to learn new skills, strengthen our community’s resilience and help a really important local service,” she said.

By joining the Queensland SES you may respond at local and national levels to many different types of activations as a result of disasters and emergencies including: Cyclones; Storms; Floods; Crime Scene/Forensics Search; Earthquakes; Landslides; Searches for missing persons.

You will also learn: First aid; Map reading and navigation; How to operate a two-way radio; Basic rescue; Flood boat rescue; Emergency operations management; Storm damage response; Land search techniques; Leadership and team-building; Instructional techniques (training others).

---------

The SES hosts meetings at the building behind the Council Admin Building in Mossman every Wednesday from 7pm.?

Call 4098 2630 for more details.